Repairing a plastic type preformed pond.

I,M_SAD

Hello,have emptied an existing pond that was full of gravel,etc today.
It is a black,think plastic preformed pond shell however there are holes from the hardcore and gravel.


The pond has been well built,it,s raised with flagstones concreted around the top so I really don,t want to buy a new pond.

Can I repair the holes and if so how,I am on a really tight budget and will be doing the repairs myself so needs to be pretty simple to do if anybody has any suggestions.Thank you.

Gothdolly

I guess it depends how big the holes are, how about a fibreglass kit from a car spares shop? If you don't need much I'd ask on Freecycle.

I hope you get it fixed.

Davesnave

If you are going to use fibreglass, try to rough up the surface first with wet & dry paper to clean it and help adhesion. I'm not sure how well fibreglass resin/matting sticks to polypropylene, which is what it may be made from.

Worth a try, though.

stumpycat

What about silicone sealant - would it be any use for tiny holes?

I,M_SAD

Thank you for replies,I am having a look fibreglass,it,s a bit pricey so will have a look on freecycle.I have silicone sealant so will give that a go for the small nicks.

I can,t stop looking at my empty pond as I have wanted to clear the rubble for 2 years,I feel so chuffed,so determined to sort it now.The thought of the pond up and running will make my day!!

ixwood

A ebay pond i got had a 3" hole cut in the top where a filter used to go. I used patches of old pond liner and Aquarium silicon sealant to fix it. It's worked a treat. You can hardly see the fix.

And as the patches are on the inside, the water pressure pushes it out, helping to keep it stuck.

hotcookie101

If there are a lot of cracks and little holes(especially if they are on the base), would it maybe be best to just stick a liner in it to ensure no leaks? They aren't cheap, but depending on the size of your pond you may not have to spend too much. Our large pond sprung a leak a couple years ago as the liner was punctured at the bottom, and we ended up replacing the liner (firestone or something rings a bell-cheaper than butyl and better than polythene?)

DKLS

Might be worth asking on freecycle for a new pond, if you cannot repair the one you have cheaply/effectively, there has been 4 preformed ponds on my group in the last week.
Just a shame they have been too big for my raised bed ponds I am planning.